Predictors of seropositivity to human papillomavirus type 53: One of the most prevalent high risk-related cervical human papillomaviruses

Persistent cervicovaginal infection with high-risk types of HPV is the major risk factor for subsequent cervical neoplasia. HPV53, part of the α6 species group along with HPV types 30, 56, and 66, is one of the most prevalent high risk-related HPV types, yet little is known about the molecular basis of its benign behavior. We generated and utilized HPV53 virus-like particles (VLPs) to investigate risk factors for its seroprevalence in a population of young college women. Seropositivity to HPV53 VLPs was determined using a polymer-based ELISA to measure IgG reactive antibodies. Cervicovaginal cells were collected for HPV DNA detection and typing by MY09/11 PCR. A questionnaire queried for HPV risk factors to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Prevalence of cervicovaginal HPV DNA was 26% (n = 148); 3% of women (n = 17) had HPV53 DNA and 7% (n = 40) were seropositive to HPV53. Seroprevalence of IgG to HPV53 VLPs in women with cervicovaginal HPV53, HPV53-related types (HPV30, 55, and 66), other HPV types, and no HPV was 41%, 11%, 7%, and 6%, respectively (p_trend < 0.001). Risk factors independently associated with HPV53 VLP seropositivity included use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) (OR: 4; 95% CI: 1.8, 9), having ≥2 regular partners in the last 6 months (OR: 2.5; 95 % CI: 1.1, 5.8), having a regular male partner with ≥4 lifetime sex partners (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1 6), seropositivity to HPV16 (OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 3.1, 14.5), and isolation of HPV53 DNA from cervicovaginal lavage (OR: 17.3; 95% CI: 5.3, 55.9). In conclusion, host serological responses to HPV53 VLPs are strongly type-specific, and subjects' risk for HPV53 seropositivity is independently associated with sexual behavior and OCP use.